How To Use a Fire Extinguisher

5/19/2018 (Permalink)

Using a fire extinguisher to put out commercial fires.

How To Use a Fire Extinguisher.

A fire extinguisher is a helpful safety tool for suppressing small to medium-sized fires and limiting fire damage. As soon as a fire starts, get the extinguisher and identify a safe evacuation path. You should check to make sure that the extinguisher you have on hand contains a suitable substance for the type of fire you are trying to suppress. It is also a good idea to sound the fire alarm in a commercial property and contact the fire department before attempting to suppress a fire.

Whether you have never used a extinguisher or it has been a long time since you experienced a fire emergency, here are four simple steps you can follow.

1. Pull the pin. Pulling the pin on a extinguisher will break the tamper seal.
2. Aim the fire extinguisher nozzle, hose, or horn. Point the dispenser at the base of the fire. Avoid making contact with the discharge horn on a CO2 extinguisher, as it may become very cold.
3. Squeeze the handle. Squeeze the handle to dispense the substance within the extinguisher in the direction of the fire.
4. Spray from side to side. Move the spray horizontally across the base of the fire until it appears to be out. Keep in mind that a fire may seem to be out and then reignite.

Keep watching the affected area to make sure the fire does not restart or have firefighters inspect the area to make sure it is out. Once you use a fire extinguisher you will need to either refill or replace the extinguisher, depending on whether the design is reusable or disposable. Reusable extinguishers cost more up front but less to refill than buying a new disposable extinguisher. If your commercial property in Hopkinsville, KY sustains fire damage from a kitchen fire or electrical fire, you should contact a commercial restoration company.

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